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Associated Press

ANCHORAGE- Supporters of a proposed ballot initiative to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Alaska are about halfway toward their signature-gathering goal.

The measure's main sponsor, Timothy Hinterberger, reported the goal is to gather 45,000 signatures by Dec. 1, roughly 15,000 more than are needed for the proposal to qualify for next year's primary ballot.

The proposal would make it legal for those 21 and older to use and possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana, though not in public. It also would set out provisions for legal grow operations and establish an excise tax.

Colorado and Washington have passed similar initiatives. The U.S. Justice Department recently directed federal law enforcement officials to focus on big priorities, not simple possession or legal grow operations.